…young voters, regional officials were early birds
MANY of those in the long queues at polling stations across Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), were young people, particularly first-time voters and regional officials. Many first-time voters expressed how excited they were to cast their maiden vote. They did not hesitate to do so early, as the plan was to post photos on social media to motivate others in their demographic to also exercise their franchise. They formed part of a youth movement called, ‘linking up to ink it up’, which has been gathering momentum on social media.
Aritha Thompson, a 18-year-old first-timer, said she was very excited to cast her ballot, and is hoping that other youths do the same throughout the day. She voted at the Linden Foundation Secondary School in Amelia’s Ward. Another youth who set the example early was Phylicia McDonald, who also voted at ‘Linden Foundation’. She described the process as, “excellent, great, smooth and easy.” She believes that a vote is a voice for youths, and encouraged her fellow millennials to do the same. “I encourage them to come out and vote, and let your voice be heard. I believe that this is one way that it can be heard,” McDonald said.
Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Yearwood also casther ballot very early at the Linden Foundation Secondary School. She and her husband, Godfrey Yearwood, were two of the first five persons to cast their ballots. Yearwood said it was part of a well-thought-out plan. “I planned to be here early,” she said, “and this is a really exciting feeling, when I look at the line and the number of persons waiting… Because, as soon as the gates, or stations were opened, people were literally running to meet to the ten polling stations here and all were filled. This feels really good; this is the scene I wanted to see, and I am satisfied this will be the highest voter turnout in history, relating to Regional and General Elections; it gives me a good feeling,” she added. Joining her at the polling station were several regional and municipal councillors such as Councillor Lawrence Simon.
Over at the Wisburg Secondary School, which is one of the main polling stations in the Block 22/Wisroc constituency, hundreds of persons congregated in long queues, waiting to cast their ballots. Former Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, who casted his ballot early, stuck around to observe, and assisted other voters. He said he was satisfyingly pleased with the resounding voter turnout not only at Wisburg Secondary, but all polling stations across Region Ten.
AMAZING RESPONSE
“The response out here this morning is amazing; we have never had a response like this in no election since I became politically conscious,” Figueira said, adding: “Since 4am persons were on the road; every single polling station in this community is jam-packed. We are expecting an over 80 to 90% voter turnout in Region Ten.”
Many of the persons he spoke about were youths who were very much hyped about the voting process. Another first-time voter, Tiffany Fraser, said she was a bit nervous, but her parents encouraged her, and she got the job done. “As a first-time voter, I think that other young teenagers out there should come and vote, because it is something very important. You have to exercise your democratic right by choosing the party you wish for, as it determines your future.” If the party of her choice is elected to government, Fraser said, she wants to see more education and job opportunities for young people be made available in Region Ten. Expressing her satisfaction and excitement over the large voter-turnout, was Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell who cast her ballot at the Middle Street Nursery School. She said it feels great not only being at the polling station, but being there early to be the change she wants to see. Arrindell said she is optimistic that if the APNU-AFC Government returns to power, development will continue to be given priority in her township. “APNU-AFC will ensure that development continues, and this is my hope and prayer,” Mayor Arrindell said. “And that is why my car is available, driving through the township, making sure persons get to the polls and get back home,” she added.
Former Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon commented on the voter-turnout in Central Mackenzie, saying it is overwhelming to see such a large gathering of both youth and the elderly at the polling stations. She voted at the Regma Primary School, and was on observer mission at the Mackenzie High School, the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, and the Linden Technical Institute. “I like that the early-bird caught the worm. By God’s Grace, the results will be declared, and the country will continue to move forward,” Kissoon said. “We will accept the victory, and we will move Guyana forward,”she added. Other officials that voted in Linden include Regional Chairman Renis Morian, and former Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford.
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020